Lectures on History

As Dr. Umar Faruq Abd Allah explains in this talk, good cultural conventions have the power of law. They are given the same priority that law has, as long as they do not actually contradict Islamic law. Unfortunately, this is an idea that we have lost over the past 200 years.

This does not, of course, mean that we begin to drink alcohol if we come to a culture in which alcohol is prevalent. This only applies to cultural practices which agree with the rules we follow as Muslims. What this means is that Muslims are never aliens, no matter where they go. This was the way Muslims lived for a thousand years. This is why scholars called Islam a crystal clear river; because it is pure and clear, reflecting the color of the bedrock.

Therefore, if the culture was Chinese, Islam would look Chinese. If the culture was Indian, Islam would look Indian. If it goes to Europe, Islam would look European–such as Bosnian culture, which was a beautiful European Muslim culture, destroyed during the genocide.

Muslims are not cultural predators, and Islam has not come to destroy culture. The governing concept was, “unity in diversity.” Today, cultures are being destroyed through the global mono-culture, which is not a culture. Because of this, usually the way we dress doesn’t carry a specific message of our identity.

This talk was delivered at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on Friday, April 6, 2018.

Dr. Khaled Abou El Fadl powerfully addresses the evil acts of murder committed against Muslims in New Zealand. He addresses how this history of massacres committed against Muslims have been ongoing since the Bosnian Genocide through today and is grounded in the well-funded Islamophobia industry campaigns of our day. He talks about the impact of racism in acts of terror against Muslims and how similar acts of terror by white extremists are addressed by comparison. He discusses the manifestos of both this New Zealand shooter and Anders Brevik, who wrote a 600+ page manifesto of hate, both drawing deeply from the American Islamophobes such as Daniel Pipes, Robert Spencer and Steven Emerson. Dr. Abou El Fadl read each of these manifestos in full. The insights from these hate tracts were not those of simply deranged human beings, but the dark fruit and lethal consequence of massive, steady investments in the Islamophobia hate industry. He calls on Muslims to step up and do the necessary work to match if not exceed their investment in actively countering the American Islamophobia hate industry. Delivered at the Islamic Center of Southern California, Los Angeles, 15 March 2019.

When looking at the lives of Malcolm X and Martin you can see they did so much in so little time. Reflecting on that and taking heed the words of the Prophet Muhammad (s), “When you leave this world either you are relieved of this world or the world is relieved you are gone”. We should live our lives so that we can fulfill this legacy.

As Muslims in this age how do we make sense of what is happening around us? There are various movements in the Muslim in the last two hundred years that have struggled to do that. Imam Suhaib Webb explains.

Othman has a resume that is unmatched in its generosity, humbleness, and unique accomplishments. It is necessary to understand these honors before we delve into his caliphate deeper. Some of these accomplishments and honors will refute some of the later accusations made against him by the rebels of his time.

The greatest gift Othman ever gave the ummah was the compilation of the Quran which we read to this day. What was the process of the preservation of the Quran like? What is the significance of this process and why is it important today? Othman bin Affan was known to have an exemplary relationship with the Quran. We will take a step back and discuss how our relationship with the Quran is today and practical steps to improve it.

The standard of justice that Omar set during his khilafa was so remarkable, that Omar could be seen sleeping peacefully in public with no body guards. This session will focus on several of the difficult, sometimes controversial, decisions that he made which ultimately led to that peace and prosperity.

Muslims through ages are always committing a big mistake connecting the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ to only the series of battles he fought and ascribing the Islamic History to only the conquests. One of the common features for all lands Islam entered is building local infrastructure and governing system by utilizing the local resources compared to the western colonizers who used to steal the resources of their colonies. Throughout the golden age of the Islamic History, Islam created civilization hubs spreading the knowledge and technology for all humanity such as the bright examples in Baghdad, Damascus, Egypt, Qairawan, Andalusia, Persia, etc. How can we study, understand and teach the Seerah and Islamic History beyond the battles and conquests?

Sh. Yasir Qadhi reminds us about our mission to help shape a better future. What causes and social changes are we as Muslims supporting? Sh. Yasir cites the history of alcohol prohibition and how we would support it. What about the social ills of today?

In a lecture to non-Muslims, Sulayman Nyang details the fascinating history of a European country ruled by Muslims which, not too long ago, was considered a wonder of the world and a major center of civilization. At the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute in New Mexico, Dr. Nyang begins with the context of Muslim Spain by discussing the Umayyid rule, its subsequent downfall and its resurrection in Al-Andulus. He then briefly outlines the events leading up to the Muslim rule in Spain, the atmosphere created by it, and the primary reason for its decline. He shows how the development, growth and contribution of Muslim Spain is not much different from modern America and its presence and influence on the world scene; a comparison that allows for a better understanding of the profound history of Muslim civilization in the West. Dr. Nyang concludes by analyzing the transformation of Muslim culture into Spain, namely the lifestyle, architecture, business dealings and knowledge. Other topics discussed: Muslims as custodians of Greek knowledge, the invention of the bank check, interfaith coexistence, Charles Martel’s victory, and the Inquisition.

In a beautiful courtyard at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute in New Mexico, Sulayman Nyang discusses the development of Islam in Africa beginning with the first migration of Muslims to Abyssinia up to their expansion into Spain. Dr. Nyang, a historian, professor and author of several books on Islam, begins by looking at how and why Islam crossed the Red Sea into Africa and how the Muslim civilization rapidly became a thriving world power. A brief historical background of Egypt is discussed in order to provide a context for understanding the spread of Islam across North Africa, and the phenomenon of “Arabization” and “Islamization” are examined as a means for the spread of Islam south of the Sahara. The speaker also covers the Berbers in Libya and their assimilation into Arab culture, the establishment of the Muslim naval power and the various Sufi movements that played key roles in this profound expansion. Other topics discussed: links between Africa and the Abrahamic faiths, Afro-Semitic people, development of trade routes, significance of gold trading, Arabtowns, conversion of African nobles, and the Al-Murabitun and Al-Muwahiddun movements. (Duration: 1 hour, 18 min)

Sulayman Nyang, a professor at Howard University and author of “Islam in the United States of America”, identifies the periods in which Islam gradually came to the attention of the American non-Muslim society. He does this by accounting for the various waves of Muslims making their way to America and the great impact they’ve had. These “waves”, or stages of evolution of Muslims in America, are five: the Pre-Columbus explorers and settlers, the importation of slaves, emigration to the “new world”, converts and native-born Muslims, and the institutionalization of Islam in America. Delivered at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute in New Mexico, this talk provides a wealth of information in the form of names, dates and events and is an invaluable resource for any “Islam In America” enthusiast. Other topics discussed: states with large Muslim populations, the perception of Muslims as terrorists, and how Farrakhan views sunni Muslims. (Duration: 1 hour, 34 min)

Imam Zaid Shakir talks about honoring the legacy of many greats who struggled and sacrificed to provide a dignified living for American-Muslims. Imam Zaid spoke at the Muslim Community Center – East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California on Sunday, October 14, 2018.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi discusses how Islam came with social change and principles that still hold true today. How do we maintain these principles in today’s climate? How can we preserve the Prophetic call to social justice? This lecture is from IlmFest 2018 in Toronto, Canada on July 29th, 2018.

Professor Jonathan AC Brown of Georgetown University gives a lecture on the great diversity that enriches the Muslim world yet is all to often ignored in the face of an errant yet popular perception of a “monolithic Islam” that seemingly is confined to the Middle East.

A Lecture on Steadfastness for Truth
The saying goes “Life is full of hurdles,” and the truth of the matter is that being a Muslim has never been easy. For the one who has no faith, this saying may provide a pessimistic view of the world. But for the believer, it is no foreign concept. Challenging situations have been foretold to test belief in the certainty of the truth. In light of this, the speaker gives an exemplary figure, the Great Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, who persevered through physical persecution ensuring the truth remained upheld when challenged by the ruler of his time.

Check out this discussion with Boonaa Mohammed and Sh. Abdullah Hakim Quick on the truth behind the Ancient Egyptian Civilization and the early contributions of African people to one of the most revered human empires.

Sayyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib was the fourth Khalifa of Islam. He had the distinction of being both the son-in-law and the cousin of the Holy Prophet, upon him be peace. He is, with Fatima, the ancestor of the Ahl al-Bayt, the People of the Prophetic House.

He was characterised by martial skill, by inward depth, and by an immense erudition in religious knowledge. Of him, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said: ‘Khilafa was not an ornament for him, he was an ornament for khilafa.’

The Khilafa of Sayyidina Uthman The Wisdom and the Agony – Shaykh Abdal hakim Murad

Sayyidina Uthman ibn Affan was the third Khalifa of Islam. He was known as the ‘Man of the Two Lights’, because he was the only man in history known to have married two daughters of a Prophet.

Uthman was famed for his good looks and immense generosity, and also for his spiritual closeness to the Holy Prophet of Islam, who included him among the ten who were assured of Paradise. He commanded the armies of Islam during an age of miraculous conquest and victory in East and West.

But he remained famously humble, and his sermons brought people to tears. He said: ‘I am astounded at four people: he who knows the world to be temporary, and still chases after it; he who is certain of death and yet makes no plans for it; he who believes in hell, and yet commits sins; and he who believes in Allah, and yet seeks the help of others.’

Sayyidina Umar ibn al-Khattab, known as al-Faruq, ‘the Discerner’, was the second of the four Rightly-Guided Caliphs. One of the greatest rulers in world history, he laid down the institutions of a solid Muslim government. Under his farsighted leadership, armies moved in every direction to liberate neighbouring lands.

Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, was passionate in his devotion to the Din of Islam and establishing Allah’s laws among His servants.

He was also a man of prayer and fasting, who paid little attention to the temporary pleasures of the world. He said: ‘No part of Allah’s wealth is allowed to Umar, save two garments: one for the winter, and the other for summer, and what I need to take me to Umra and the Hajj. My provisions for my family are those of an ordinary man of Quraysh, neither the wealthiest nor the poorest. After that, I am just a man from among the Muslims.’

A far-sighted and deeply religious man, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq was the first adult free convert to Islam, and became a major narrator of Hadith and a fountainhead of spiritual wisdom.

He also became the first Khalifa of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Facing rebellions by followers of false prophets, he reestablished the unity of Arabia under Islam.

He became a byword for humble rulership. When he assumed the leadership he said: “If I am right, help me. If I am wrong, correct me. I shall strengthen the weak man among you until he enjoys his rights. I shall weaken the strong man among you until I have taken what is due from him. Obey me for as long as I obey Allah and His prophet; but if I disobey them, then disobey me.”

Are we aware of what’s happening? As we speak amongst a Muslim Minority, called The Rohingya, in the land of Burma/Myanmar? Where our own brothers and sisters have been suffering for a while now.

In this Khutbah, Shaykh Dr Yasir Qadhi provides some background knowledge as we need to know who they are and what’s going on, as we cannot help unless we understand their situation.He leaves us with some advice on how we can help those suffering.

Who are The Rohingya?
The Rohingya, they are one of the smallest ethnicities, who are predominantly Muslims. They are a descendants of a civilization that used to have a Kingdom over 500 years ago. Some of them converted to Islam while the majority didn’t. Those who converted are called The Rohingya.

Shaykh Ahsan Hanif discusses the ongoing crisis of the Rohingya people in Myanmar or Burma. May Allah free these people from oppression and bring justice to them! Ameen! Please do what you can for them and all those suffering.

Shaykh Zahir Mahmood draws parallels from the life of Nelson Mandela and to the life of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. He mentions how we Muslims are lacking in these characteristics while others have them.

Paul Barrett and Dr. Umar Abd-Allah in a discussion of their recent works, American Islam: The Struggle for the Soul of a Religion and A Muslim in Victorian America. Dr. Abd-Allah’s work is a biography of Alexander Russell Webb, one of the earliest American converts to Islam to achieve a modicum of fame. Mr. Barrett’s book offers portraits of a number of contemporary American Muslims, demonstrating the complexity of the community and diversity of opinion within this community. Paul Barrett was a reporter and editor for 18 years at the Wall Street Journal, and currently directs the investigative reporting team at Business Week. Dr. Abd-Allah is Scholar-in-Residence at the Nawawi Foundation.

A much needed talk, pertinent not just to the ordinary Muslim but to group elders too. The first part is almost like a diagnosis for deviant sects; which shows how their adopted theme of revival becomes the prism within which the entire deen is viewed and shaped and how the natural balance within deen is lost. The verse وأقيم الوزن (And establish weight in justice) comes to mind.

The concept of an ideal, universal “Islamic State” has been in existence for a long time. Religious reformers in countries as diverse as Egypt, India and Indonesia have advocated for the establishment of Islamic states during the twentieth century. The acquisition of territory in Iraq and Syria by ISIL, (also known as ISIS or Daesh), in 2015 has brought the issue increasingly to our collective thoughts and to media headlines. This group’s claims are often presented by diverse media outlets and others, including academics, as an established fact in Islam. Such presentations give a monopolistic legitimacy to groups such as ISIL (or ISIS) and lock out traditional religious views and historical realities from the public square.

Dr. Jonathan Brown and Dr. Mohammad Shafi will present their clear analysis of why there is no claim for a universal Islamic State in the Qur’an or the normative practice and tradition of the Prophet. Historically, the Caliphate after the Prophet fell apart soon after Umar, claims of legitimacy by the Umayyads were constantly challenged and the presumed unity was shattered very early. The lived history of the Muslim peoples over the centuries shows that the idea is not practical or feasible.

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. “(Al-Quran 33:21) In today’s world, society has created these imaginary and fictional superheroes which are nothing but the work of fantasy. Movie superstars, Sportsmen, celebrities who may present a nice picture on the outside, but often found to be bankrupt on the inside. On the contrary, the Prophet (saw) himself was the superhero we all aspire to be like. He raised giants among his Sahaba who were the examples every Muslim should look up to. What makes a superhero a superhero? Do we truly know the giants from our history?

Shaykh Muhammad Al-Yaqoubi presents an important and enlightening talk based on his new book, “Refuting ISIS.” The book details how ISIS bases its ideology on a superficial and literalist approach to the sacred texts of Islam; and concludes that ISIS does not represent Islam, that its declaration of a caliphate is invalid, and that opposing ISIS is an obligation upon Muslims.

“What we have to understand is that our history is rich and beautiful, and it took on so many different colors. There’s not such a thing as an ‘Islamic Civilization’; there are Islamic Civilizations – plural.” In this relevant and inspirational talk, Dr. Umar Faruq Abd-Allah contextualizes the revival of Islam in difficult, hateful times. Through the stories of giants like Shaykh Abdul-Qadir al Jilani and Imam Abu Hamid al Ghazali, he explains the great legacy that modern Muslims are inheriting, and our role in restoring the true Islamic tradition.

Shaykh Abdul Karim Yahya discusses how women have a very important role in the mission of calling people to Allah citing from historical examples from the seerah and Islamic history of women scholars in Islam.

In this halaqah, Imam Suhaib Webb reflects on the current political and social environment Islam and Muslims currently face in America and the West in general regarding Islamophobia and violent extremism.

In this powerful and emotional talk, delivered in front of the largest annual gathering of Muslims in North America, Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi shares his thoughts on the current state of Islamophobia in America, and the dismal situation in Muslim lands and how we should work together to speak out against oppression and injustice.

Who are the next generation of Muslim leaders? What are their backgrounds, what issues will the face, and what are their responsibilities to society? Ustadh Usama Canon discusses these and other questions relevant to today’s rising Muslim leaders.

Nelson Mandela was arguably the most beloved statesman and leader of our generation. Why do so many people praise him irrespective of their political leanings? What was it about Mandela that transcended politics? This session will examine the life, times, and struggles of this South African leader that reveal, in the light of Islamic teachings, why our Prophet’s Sunnah, when practiced even by those outside of our faith, engenders love and respect in others. Mandela, for example, resorted to violent resistance only after he exhausted all non-violent means to end the oppression of his people. Even those on the far right of the political spectrum have defended his advocacy of violence. Newt Gingrich, for instance, recently wrote that Mandela was “deeply committed to a non-violent approach, until you had a South African dictatorship … which made it impossible to have anything that was purely non-violent.” Gingrich went as far as to compare Mandela to the Founding Fathers of America. What were the qualities and characteristics that made Mandela so unique and drew such approbation? More importantly, what is the role of patience, principle, purpose, forgiveness, and magnanimity in effecting change in human hearts and society?

Hamza Tzortzis presents the role of Islam in society from a number of different perspectives during Day 1 of his powerful lecture series “Classified” held at Fanar – Qatar Islamic Cultural Center on 7th – 10th of December 2012.

With the rise of “Islamophobia” in the past ten years, we have also seen a drastic rise in converts to Islam. Our distress has brought da‘wah to our doorsteps. In this lecture Shaykh Yasir Qadhi teaches us how to rise from the shadows and preserve our dignity through the truth of Islam.

Shaykh Omar explains that the lives of the Prophets, the Sahabas and great scholars of the past give us a wide variety of examples of different situations in life and types of people that we should follow.

Sunni, Shīʿa, Salafi, Sufi, Deobandi, Ahl’l-Sunnah wa’l-Jamā’ah – Why do we have all these labels can’t we just say we’re Muslims and that’s it! To often our communities become divided on differences in thoughts and ideas, acknowledging & welcoming the various levels of religious beliefs is an important first step towards building diverse communities & bridging the gap to put all titles aside.

Imam Khalid Latif tells the heartbreaking tale of his days as a chubby boy finding out one of his beloved snack foods weren’t permissible to eat because it contained gelatin with pork in it. Filmed at the Native Tongue story slam on May 21 in New York City.

Sheikh Abdal Hakim offers some thoughts on gender in Islam. He begins, with characteristic catholicity, by discussing the career of Valentine de Sainte Point, an early French feminist and Futurist who in later life rejected what she perceived as the dehumanising trajectory of Western culture and converted to Islam, in which she found a more integrated and integrative understanding of human nature.

From that, the sheikh moves on discuss some aspects of the Islamic understanding of gender and sexuality, and how in this respect, as in others, the message of the Qu’ran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) acted as a rectification to misinterpretations of previous revelation; in this case, the rejection and excoriation of human sexuality often manifested by Christianity. The Prophet, by contrast, as ‘mankind perfected’, embraced this aspect of his humanity as he did every other, according to the Divine Guidance. His role as exemplar was thereby extended to women partly through his marriages, which provided multiple models of exemplary female behaviour. The sheikh finishes by discussing this in relation to the Prophet’s wives (may God be pleased with them) and Qur’anic examples of ideal women.

Our duty as Muslims is to represent the true meaning of Islam by reaching out to the broader community we serve, the underprivileged and underrepresented. As tensions continue to increase throughout the world, we as North American Muslims have a unique opportunity rarely found elsewhere to serve our community with assurances of security and freedom. Using the Prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) as our shining example, this session aims — through diverse informed and unique speakers — to motivate inspire and move us beyond mere words and rhetoric, to truly living a way of life dedicated to serving God by serving humanity.

Shaykh Yasir Qadhi’s powerful emaan lifting intellectual talk on the topic reconciling between reason and revelation & the role of Intellect in Islam based on the writings of ibn Taymiyyah – from Muslimska Familjedagarna (Muslim Family Days) in Stolkholm Sweden.

Muslims have always lived as minorities in predominantly non-Muslim lands. And, in the best of times, they have lived well and peacefully with peoples of other faiths. This lecture will examine the European experience of Muslims after the collapse of the Ottoman sovereignty, how they fared, why they failed when they did, and the lessons they can teach us in our current situation.

One-Day Seminar at IANT, Richardson TX on Nov 11, 2012. Ustadh Nouman highlighted various aspects of Quranic guidance on being a part of any Islamic organization – whether as a leader or a community member. This seminar is a great Quranic orientation for any person who becomes a shura member in any organization – a masjid board member, a volunteer at a school, a member in the college MSA.

Find the seminar webpage at http://goo.gl/zXkwG
Seminar workbook available at http://goo.gl/wg6C9

Ramadan is a month dedicated to strengthening the intimate relationship between Allah and His creation. Join Imam Tahir Anwar, as he shares with us key principles of how to fulfill the purpose of Ramadan. Along with studying the rules of fasting, we will cover practical spiritual exercises proven to reconnect us to Allah through His revelation, the Qur’an.
Among the topics covered, some are:
– Obligation & History of Ramadan
– In Preparation of Fasting
– How to Fast: Intention, Methodology & Exemptions
– Benefits of Ramadan & Setting Goals
– Connecting to the Qu’ran

Lecture given on May 18, 2012 in San Antonio,TX. Lecture begins with insights from Surah Kahf, relating the downfall of a previous nation and comparing it to the mistakes Muslims make today. Continues and concludes with re-establishing our relationship with the Quran, realizing it is a conversation between Allah and us, and practical tips to strengthen that connection.

When the beloved Rasul passed away, the believers felt the enormity of their loss as some shed tears while others felt muddled and hopeless. Many of those who had falsely claimed to have embraced Islam were quick to revert back to ignorance. Driven by rare intrepidity, the four khulafaa upheld the flag of our deen, more than 14 centuries later their words are quoted and their lives are highly revered. Paragons of matchless virtue, faith, and character, their leadership skills remain unprecedented, may Allah be forever pleased with them. Join us as we journey through the past and study the characteristics that defined these individuals with practical applications to our own lives.

In this Intimate Conversations video, Ta’leef founder Usama Canon and special guest Imam Suhaib Webb talk about CHANGE. In a heartfelt manner, Imam Suhaib discusses the importance of the work Ta’leef Collective is doing and how we should look at the concept of change in our community juxtaposed with the Shari’a and history of the early Muslim communities.

Islam and Authors welcomes Jonathan A. C. Brown, author of Hadith: Muhammad’s Legacy in the Medieval and Modern World. Brown’s Hadith book is new, comprehensive and accessible introduction to hadith- the transmitted reports about Muhammad’s words and actions. The bulk of Islamic law rests upon hadith reports. With the current controversies over sharia, Brown’s Hadith book is extremely relevant. It explains both Western and traditional Islamic approaches to hadith, has extremely informative charts and an easy-to-read format, and covers both Sunni and Shia views of hadith.

Jonathan Brown examines the historical misunderstandings about the Prophet Muhammad’s life to kick off the Ali Vural Ak Center for Global Islamic Studies Spring 2011 Lecture Series. Recorded on February 15, 2011.

Although many Muslims throughout the world are in tribulation, there seems to be a simultaneous revival taking place within the ummah today. Abdullah Hakim Quick addresses this by first reviewing some of the great Islamic revival movements of the past. He then discusses ways in which today’s ummah can have similar success despite the calamities facing it. The key to this success, as the speaker asserts, is the protection of each individual heart. Shaitan takes certain steps to capitalize on the weakness of the Muslim by utilizing ten inroads to the heart such as envy, greed, anger and haste. If Shaitan is successful, the ummah will continue to be confused and divided and, in effect, the revival will never happen. This practical presentation raises awareness of these inroads so the believer can be on guard and have hope for winning the battle against Shaitan. An important talk about protecting the heart that can serve as a starting point for real unity and revival. Other topics discussed: excessive love of food and drink, fear of poverty, dislike for those who disagree with us, the mulazima system (studying under a sheikh), making pledges, why the ummah is in such tribulation today, Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahab and the four schools of thought, and making hijrah today. (Duration: 1 hour, 8 min)

The history of enslaved Muslims in the West is well documented. What is less well know is the influence they had and the impact they left in the communities that they were enslaved in. In a captivating speech, Imam Zaid Shakir talks about the legacy that great individuals such as Ayuba Suleiman Diallo and Abdu-l-Rahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori played during the time of slavery in the United States. He outlines the importance of making connections with our Islamic history and why it is important to be aware of how their steadfast nature and upright character serve as examples to Muslims across the world today.

In his final address to the non-Muslim participants of the New Mexico educational retreat, Abdal Hakim looks at the other aspects of the long-standing historical interaction of the three Abrahamic faiths, such as the transmission of science, technology, and philosophical ideas from the Islamic world to the Western world. Islam in the middle ages was a very successful commercial and material civilization and this fact combined with the Muslim’s strategic geographic positions allowed for such a profound influence and contribution. The speaker looks at the economic/cultural/scientific contributions in the areas of maritine navigation and exploration, agriculture, music, poetry, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, and much more. (Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute seminar).

In this talk the speaker engages the audience in a discussion of traditional as well as contemporary Christian understandings of Islam and vice-versa. A highly detailed and scholarly look into this very complex subject. Murad’s firm command of the English language, his structured presentation, and his vast knowledge and resources cited make this lecture unparalleled by any of its kind. He concludes this talk by revealing his own observant views of Muslim-Christian relations and the need to move forward in mutual tolerance and respect. (Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute seminar). Other topics discussed: the black stone, St. Thomas Aquinas’ harsh views of Islam, Ivan The Terrible, William Montgomery Watt, Catholic views, women’s views of a gender-specific God, God as love, and the hajj.

Abdal Hakim Murad looks at Islam as part of a wider family of faiths and analyzes what it shares and what it doesn’t share with its two great predecessors. This comparison is made on several fronts namely salvation history, Islamic law vs. Jewish law, scriptural overlap between the Hebrew Bible and the Qur’an, the figures of Jesus (P) and the Virgin Mary (P), and Muslim-Christian interaction throughout history. This lecture is part of a series which is great for both Muslims and non-Muslims as Abdal Hakim approaches the subject from a highly intellectual perspective. (Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute seminar). Other topics discussed: God’s covenant, the “chosen” people, prophecy, ancient Christian antisemitism, the Kaaba, and circumcision.

In his second lecture to non-Muslim middle school and high school teachers, Murad moves on to the more outward manifestations of the Islamic tradition. He explains the sunnah as being the “backbone” of a Muslim’s daily life and provides a brief and simple explanation of it’s vital role in Islam. He then focuses the remainder of his time on the Islamic law, its various sources, and its history. And in closing, the speaker looks at a few case studies of the practice of ijtihad in the Muslim world. (Recorded at the Dar al Islam Teachers’ Institute seminar). Other topics discussed: dua (supplication), Salman Rushdie, medhabs (schools of thought), tabacco and smoking, AIDS, abortion, contraception, and artificial insemination.

Part 1: Part 2: Part 3: Part 4 – The Man: Part 5 – The Man: Part 6 – Nation Theology: Part 7 – Racism: Part 8 – Malcolm’s Transition: Part 9 – Institution: Part 10 – Leading Truth: Part 11 – Hope: Part 12 – End Race: Part 13 – Question and Answer:

The region of the Middle/Near East and North Africa has witnessed numerous wars and armed conflicts since ancient times up to the present. Some were a result of territorial expansion by imperial states or nomadic invasions; others were triggered by local competition for resources between two or more countries of the region. Still others were intended or unintended outcomes of broader geopolitical confrontations, such as WWI and WWII and, later on, the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the Western world. Military technology evolved from the first use of camels and chariots to gunpowder and canon, more recently, also to chemical weapons. Slave armies and feudal military have been replaced by the mass conscripted armies of modern nation states. On the ideological plane, wars and military conflicts have been justified by reference to a wide variety of causes, from the “liberation” of the Holy Land from an “infidel” enemy to Europe’s “civilizing mission”; from establishing the homeland for a people that did not have one to stopping the proliferation of WMD, to the spread of nationalism, Socialism, Islamism, democracy, and so on.

Dr. Israr Ahmed is a famous Pakistani Islamic scholar who advocated the revival of Islamic faith among Muslims in order to bring a stable Islamic society. In this lecture Nouman Ali Khan discusses his contributions towards the explanation of the Quran.

Many of the discussions that exist around gender in the Muslim community, both in the United States and abroad, have not fruitful. In this khutbah, Imam Latif speaks about the need for Muslim women to empower themselves through knowledge and also discusses how Muslims on a whole have failed to treat their women with the dignity and respect that they deserve.

This Khutbah was delivered at the Islamic Center at NYU (www.icnyu.org) on Friday, March 4th, 2011 by Imam Khaild Latif.